Thailand Flag (Thong Trairong): History, Meaning, Colors, Ratio, and Images
The Thailand flag, known in Thai as Thong Trairong, is a five‑stripe horizontal tricolor in red, white, blue, white, and red. It uses a 2:3 ratio and a distinctive double‑width blue center band. Adopted on September 28, 1917, it remains one of the most recognizable national flags in Southeast Asia. This guide explains the design, proportions, colors, symbolism, history, and practical display rules, with tips for correct digital reproduction and print use.
Quick facts and current design
The current Thailand country flag was designed for clarity at distance, easy manufacture, and symbolic balance. Its five horizontal bands follow a precise order and proportion, creating a compact layout that scales cleanly on screens, in print, and on fabric. The design is intentionally simple: there are no coats of arms or seals on the national flag used on land, which helps ensure legibility in every context from schools to embassies.
National Flag Day is observed annually on September 28 to commemorate the adoption in 1917. For everyday users, the most important points to remember are the 2:3 aspect ratio, the 1–1–2–1–1 stripe heights, and using faithful color values. The sections below summarize the essentials and provide precise steps for creators and manufacturers.
Summary definition (red–white–blue–white–red; five stripes; 2:3 ratio)
The Thailand flag (Thong Trairong) consists of five horizontal stripes arranged from top to bottom as red, white, blue, white, and red. The central blue stripe is double the height of each red and white stripe, producing a visually balanced composition that reads clearly from afar.
The official aspect ratio is 2:3 (height:width). The modern design was adopted on September 28, 1917, a date now marked as Thai National Flag Day. This streamlined tricolor approach ensures a recognizable layout even in small sizes, on low‑resolution screens, and in challenging lighting conditions.
- Stripe order (top to bottom): red, white, blue, white, red
- Aspect ratio: 2:3
- Center band: blue, double width
- Adoption date: September 28, 1917
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Layout | Five horizontal stripes |
| Order | Red – White – Blue – White – Red |
| Aspect Ratio | 2:3 (height:width) |
| Stripe Pattern | 1–1–2–1–1 (top to bottom) |
| Adopted | September 28, 1917 |
| Thai Name | Thong Trairong |
Stripe proportions and dimensions (1–1–2–1–1)
Thailand’s flag uses a unit‑based system to keep proportions exact at any size. If the flag’s height is divided into six equal units, the stripes measure 1, 1, 2, 1, and 1 units respectively from top to bottom. The blue stripe occupies the central two units, ensuring both symmetry and a clear hierarchy in the color layout.
Because the aspect ratio is fixed at 2:3, the width should always be 1.5 times the height. For example, a 200×300 pixel digital image or a 300×450 mm fabric flag will maintain correct proportions as long as the 1–1–2–1–1 stripe heights are preserved. Manufacturing tolerances should never alter this pattern; minor variations in fabric stretch or stitching should be controlled so that the center blue remains double the width of the adjacent stripes.
- Example scaling: Height 6 units → Stripe heights = 1, 1, 2, 1, 1
- Example pixel sizes: 400×600, 800×1200, 1600×2400 (all 2:3)
- Do not compress or expand the blue band relative to the others
Official colors and specifications
Color consistency is central to the identity of the Thailand flag. In practice, physical color references are defined first, and digital color values are derived from them. The most reliable method for accurate reproduction is to match the official physical swatches and then manage color conversions carefully for print (using CMYK or LAB workflows) and for digital displays (using sRGB).
Thailand updated its physical color standards in 2017 using CIELAB (D65) references to align with modern color‑management practices. While LAB values guide manufacturing and high‑fidelity printing, most users need sRGB and Hex approximations to set up graphics, websites, and office documents. The notes below provide those approximations along with practical guidance for assets, filenames, and accessibility text.
CIELAB (D65), RGB, and Hex values
Official color control starts with physical standards and LAB references, while digital values are approximations. Common on‑screen targets for the Thailand flag are Red #A51931 (RGB 165, 25, 49), Blue #2D2A4A (RGB 45, 42, 74), and White #F4F5F8 (RGB 244, 245, 248). These sRGB values are designed to present a deep, saturated blue that contrasts cleanly against red and white in both bright and low‑light contexts.
For print, manage color using CMYK profiles derived from the physical LAB targets under D65 illumination, and proof on the intended substrate. For screens, use sRGB with embedded profiles to avoid unintended shifts. Always note that digital values are approximations derived from physical standards; slight differences can occur across devices and materials. Consistency across a project is more important than chasing minute numerical differences.
| Color | Hex | RGB | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red | #A51931 | 165, 25, 49 | Approximate sRGB from physical standard |
| Blue | #2D2A4A | 45, 42, 74 | Deep blue for strong contrast |
| White | #F4F5F8 | 244, 245, 248 | Neutral white; avoid color casts |
Downloadable SVG and print-ready assets
When preparing files, ensure the artboard uses a 2:3 ratio and that the stripe heights follow the 1–1–2–1–1 pattern exactly. Save vector files in plain SVG for maximum compatibility and export PNGs at multiple sizes for web and print. Use descriptive filenames that help search and accessibility, such as thailand-flag-svg.svg, thailand-flag-2x3-800x1200.png, and thailand-flag-colors-hex.png.
Include alt text like “Thailand flag with five horizontal stripes in red, white, blue, white, red (2:3 ratio)” so images are understandable in screen readers and low‑bandwidth contexts. To reduce scaling errors, provide ratio‑preserving pixel dimensions such as 600×900, 1200×1800, and 2400×3600. Before distribution, confirm that the files match official stripe proportions and align with the target color values listed above.
- Vector master: thailand-flag-svg.svg (2:3 artboard; 1–1–2–1–1 stripes)
- Web PNGs: 600×900, 1200×1800; print PNGs: 2400×3600
- Recommended alt text and captions describing order and ratio
- Document color profiles and intended use (screen vs print)
History and evolution of the Thailand flag
The Thailand flag has evolved from emblem‑based designs to the streamlined tricolor used today. Each change reflected practical needs, maritime identification, royal symbolism, and global context. Understanding this timeline helps explain why red, white, and blue were selected and why the modern flag emphasizes clear proportions instead of ornate emblems.
The broad stages include the early red flag era, the white elephant on red that dominated the 19th century, the brief 1916 striped transition, the 1917 adoption of the current tricolor under King Rama VI, and modern standardization, including the 1979 Flag Act and later color guidance. The outline below highlights key moments without overprecision where historical sources vary.
Early red flag and the chakra
In the 17th–18th centuries, Siam often used a plain red flag for maritime and state purposes. As international sea traffic expanded, emblems such as a white chakra were sometimes added to distinguish official use and improve recognition among foreign ships.
These early forms established red as a foundational color in Siamese vexillology. While sources differ on the exact placement or style of emblems across specific periods, the overall pattern is clear: red dominated as a practical background, with symbols employed selectively to signal royal or state authority.
White elephant era (19th century)
By the 19th century, a red field bearing a white elephant became a prominent national emblem. The white elephant carried long‑standing associations with royal authority and auspiciousness in Siamese tradition, making it a strong symbol for state flags and ensigns during this period.
Design details varied: in some versions the elephant appeared caparisoned and occasionally stood on a pedestal, while other renditions omitted the pedestal. Despite these differences, the emblem signaled continuity of royal symbolism up to the early 20th century, when attention shifted toward striped patterns for clarity and manufacturability.
1916–1917 shift to the tricolor (Rama VI)
In November 1916, a red–white–red striped flag appeared as a transitional design. This move anticipated a clearer, more standardized national symbol that could be reproduced easily and recognized internationally at sea and on land.
On September 28, 1917, Thailand adopted the final red–white–blue–white–red tricolor under King Rama VI, with the blue stripe double the height of the others. The deep blue complemented the existing red and white, aligned visually with red‑white‑blue flags of World War I Allies, and consolidated the modern layout that remains in use today.
Flag Act 1979 and modern standardization
The Flag Act of 1979 codified core rules for use, respect, and display of the national flag. It set expectations for public institutions and provided a legal framework to protect national symbols in everyday life and during official ceremonies.
Subsequent standards clarified manufacturing specifications, stripe ratios, and color references so that flags produced by different vendors would look consistent. Later guidance, including the 2017 adoption of CIELAB (D65) color control for physical standards, helped bridge legal requirements with practical technical specifications across print and fabric production.
- Timeline: early red flag → white elephant era → 1916 stripes → 1917 tricolor → 1979 Flag Act → 2017 color standards
Symbolism and meaning of the colors
Color symbolism helps people interpret national identity in a simple visual form. While meanings can be discussed in different ways, a common reading in Thailand emphasizes unity among the people, religion, and the monarchy, with the center blue drawing attention to national cohesion.
These interpretations appear widely in educational materials, public ceremonies, and popular descriptions of the flag. They provide a helpful framework for understanding how the tricolor relates to Thai history, culture, and governance traditions.
Nation – Religion – King interpretation
In the conventional interpretation, red stands for the nation and the people, white represents religion (especially Buddhism), and blue represents the monarchy. The double‑width center band underscores unity and continuity under the crown within Thailand’s constitutional and cultural context.
This Nation–Religion–King reading is common in public explanations, but it is best understood as a widely accepted interpretation rather than a legal definition. It remains useful in schools and civic life because it connects color to shared institutions in a clear and memorable way.
WWI Allied alignment and royal birth color
When blue was added in 1917, observers noted the alignment with the red‑white‑blue tricolors of several World War I Allies. This visual connection aided international recognition and situated Thailand’s flag within a familiar family of modern national designs.
Another widely cited explanation links blue to King Rama VI’s Saturday birth color in Thai tradition. Both factors likely contributed to the final choice alongside practical benefits such as easier manufacturing and improved legibility compared to emblem flags that required fine detail.
Variants and related flags
Beyond the national tricolor, Thailand uses a set of related flags for military, naval, royal, and provincial purposes. These variants follow clear protocols so that observers can distinguish national, service, and personal standards at a glance. Knowing the differences helps avoid misuse, especially when displaying flags together at government offices, schools, or cultural events.
The most familiar variation for international visitors is the naval ensign featuring the white elephant motif on a red field. Royal standards and provincial flags also appear alongside the national flag during visits, ceremonies, and official functions, but they do not replace the national flag’s role in representing the state.
Naval ensign and military flags
The Royal Thai Navy uses an ensign with a prominent white elephant in full regalia on a red field. This ensign is flown at the stern of naval vessels and at naval facilities. By contrast, the naval jack flown at the bow is the national tricolor, reflecting common naval practice of distinguishing stern ensigns from bow jacks.
Other military flags feature service‑specific emblems, colors, and inscriptions for unit identification, traditions, and ceremonial functions. These designs retain historical motifs while meeting operational needs, and they are distinct from the land‑based national flag displayed by civilian institutions.
Royal standards and provincial flags
Royal standards for the monarch and members of the royal family employ distinctive emblems and background colors that differ from the national tricolor. They are used in contexts that indicate presence or authority, such as at royal residences, motorcades, and official ceremonies.
Provincial flags vary by province and often fly together with the national flag at government buildings. Protocol makes clear that these are not substitutes for the national flag; when displayed jointly, the Thailand flag holds precedence according to established order and positioning rules.
Buddhist flags seen in Thailand
The Buddhist flag of six colors is commonly displayed at temples, monasteries, and religious events throughout Thailand. It often appears alongside the national tricolor during festivals and holy days, reinforcing the visibility of religious life in public spaces.
While commonly co‑displayed, the Buddhist flag is not an official national symbol and should not replace the national flag in official contexts. Local etiquette and religious customs guide its placement at temples and community events, always ensuring respect for the hierarchy of national symbols.
Use, protocol, and respectful handling
Proper handling of the Thailand flag supports national dignity and helps prevent damage to materials. The key principles are visibility, cleanliness, and respect in both daily routines and special observances. Institutions often establish schedules that fit local operations while aligning with national guidance.
If the flag remains on display after dark, it should be properly illuminated so the colors are visible and the flag is not left unattended in poor conditions.
Daily raising and lowering times
Government offices typically raise the flag in the morning and lower it at sunset, a practice that ensures visibility in daylight and maintains respectful handling. If the flag remains on display after dark, it should be properly illuminated so the colors are visible and the flag is not left unattended in poor conditions.
Half‑mast observance follows official announcements and national mourning directives. Local variations exist for schools, municipalities, and private institutions, but all should emphasize respect, visibility, and care during adverse weather. When in doubt, consult applicable guidelines to align local practice with national norms.
Folding and disposal guidelines
Keep flags clean, dry, and neatly folded or rolled to prevent creases and color transfer. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve fabric and dyes, especially for outdoor flags exposed to heat and humidity.
When a flag becomes worn, torn, or faded, retire it respectfully according to local practice. Thai law protects national symbols, and misuse may carry penalties. Where ceremonial disposal is observed, it is conducted with dignity and privacy rather than as a public spectacle.
How to draw the Thailand flag correctly (2:3 ratio)
Drawing the Thailand flag is straightforward once you use unit‑based measurements. The 2:3 aspect ratio and the 1–1–2–1–1 stripe pattern ensure that the design scales perfectly from small icons to large outdoor banners. Follow the steps below for a reliable result in any software or medium.
To avoid mistakes, a final checklist is included after the steps. It highlights the stripe order, the double‑height blue center, and the fixed 2:3 rectangle that defines the flag’s overall shape.
6-step instructions with measurements
Use a simple unit system to make the design scalable while keeping stripe widths exact. This method works for vector drawings, raster images, and hand sketches on graph paper, and it helps avoid proportion errors during resizing.
Choose a convenient size first and then apply the steps precisely. For digital work, use ratio‑preserving sizes like 200×300, 300×450, 600×900, or 1200×1800 pixels. For print, pick dimensions such as 20×30 cm or 40×60 cm and mark the stripes using the same unit logic.
- Draw a 2:3 rectangle (height:width).
- Divide the height into 6 equal horizontal units.
- Assign stripe heights from top to bottom as 1, 1, 2, 1, and 1 units.
- Color the stripes in this order: red (top), white, blue, white, red (bottom).
- Apply colors close to Red #A51931, Blue #2D2A4A, White #F4F5F8 for on‑screen use.
- Export or print at the intended size, preserving the 2:3 ratio and embedded profiles.
- Checklist: 2:3 rectangle; 1–1–2–1–1 stripe heights; red–white–blue–white–red order; center blue double width.
Common questions and comparisons
Because several countries use red, white, and blue tricolors, it is easy to confuse similar designs. It helps to compare stripe order, stripe thickness, aspect ratio, and the presence or absence of emblems. The Thailand flag is distinctive for its double‑width blue center and consistent 2:3 proportion.
Historical comparisons also come up frequently, especially about the former white elephant flag of Siam and how that emblem survives in modern naval usage. The notes below address these common topics to reduce mix‑ups in classrooms, presentations, and media production.
Thailand vs Costa Rica flag differences
Thailand and Costa Rica both display five horizontal stripes in red, white, and blue, but their patterns are not the same. Thailand’s order is red–white–blue–white–red with the central blue stripe double width, and the overall ratio is 2:3. This creates a centered emphasis that immediately distinguishes it when you know what to look for.
Costa Rica’s national flag typically arranges blue–white–red–white–blue with a broader central red stripe, and commonly uses a 3:5 ratio. The Costa Rican state flag includes the national coat of arms on the red band near the hoist, further differentiating it from Thailand’s emblem‑free tricolor. Their histories and symbolic frameworks developed independently.
| Feature | Thailand | Costa Rica |
|---|---|---|
| Stripe Order | Red – White – Blue – White – Red | Blue – White – Red – White – Blue |
| Center Stripe | Blue, double width | Red, broader than others |
| Aspect Ratio | 2:3 | Often 3:5 |
| Emblem | None on national flag | State flag bears coat of arms |
The former white elephant flag of Siam
Before 1917, Siam used a red flag with a white elephant as a key national emblem. The elephant—an auspicious and royal symbol—appeared in various forms across the 19th century, sometimes caparisoned and occasionally standing on a pedestal. These design variations reflected ceremonial and heraldic traditions of the era.
Today, the white elephant motif survives in specific naval flags, such as the Royal Thai Navy ensign, rather than on the national flag used on land. The transition to the tricolor marked a broader movement from emblem‑based flags to simple, standardized stripes that are easier to reproduce and recognize at distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the colors of the Thailand flag represent?
Red symbolizes the nation and the people, white symbolizes religion (especially Buddhism), and blue symbolizes the monarchy. The central blue stripe is double width to emphasize the unifying role of the monarchy. This interpretation is often summarized as Nation–Religion–King.
When was the current Thailand flag adopted?
The current flag was adopted on September 28, 1917. A transitional striped design appeared in November 1916 before the blue center stripe was added. Thailand marks the adoption with National Flag Day each year on September 28.
Why was blue added to the Thailand flag in 1917?
Blue aligned Thailand with the World War I Allies that used red, white, and blue. It is also linked to King Rama VI’s Saturday birth color in Thai tradition. The move simplified production and avoided issues seen with earlier emblem flags.
What is the official ratio and stripe width pattern of the Thailand flag?
The official ratio is 2:3 (height:width). The five horizontal stripes follow a 1–1–2–1–1 width pattern from top to bottom (red, white, blue, white, red). The central blue stripe is double the width of the others.
What is the old Siam flag with the white elephant?
From the mid-19th century, Siam used a red flag with a white elephant, a royal and auspicious symbol. The elephant emblem evolved over time and remained central until the tricolor was adopted in 1917. The naval ensign still preserves the white elephant motif.
Is the Thailand flag the same as Costa Rica’s flag?
No, the two flags are distinct despite similar colors. Thailand’s blue stripe is centered and double width with a 1–1–2–1–1 pattern, while Costa Rica’s design has different proportions and ordering with a broader central red stripe. Their histories and symbolism also differ.
When is Thai National Flag Day and how is it observed?
Thai National Flag Day is on September 28 each year. Schools, government offices, and embassies hold flag ceremonies and educational activities. The day commemorates the 1917 adoption of the tricolor.
What are the official color codes (Hex/RGB/CIELAB) for the Thailand flag?
Approximate digital values are Red #A51931 (RGB 165,25,49), White #F4F5F8 (RGB 244,245,248), and Blue #2D2A4A (RGB 45,42,74). Thailand standardized physical colors using CIELAB (D65) in 2017 to ensure consistent reproduction.
Conclusion and next steps
The Thailand flag presents a clear, durable design: a 2:3 rectangle with five stripes ordered red–white–blue–white–red and a double‑width center blue. Its colors, proportions, and symbolism reflect a century of use since 1917 and a longer heritage that includes earlier emblem flags. With correct ratios, careful color management, and respectful handling, the Thong Trairong remains consistent across materials and contexts.
For creators and institutions, rely on the 1–1–2–1–1 stripe pattern, use ratio‑preserving sizes, and apply the specified color targets. For educators and readers, the history and symbolism provide context to a familiar national emblem that is both practical and meaningful.
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